Daily Devotion

 

This is the only miracle of Jesus related in all four Gospels (Matthew 14:13; Mark 6:30; John 6:1). It all begins with a lovely thing. The twelve had come back from their tour. Never was there a time when Jesus needed more to be alone with them, so He took them to the village of Bethsaida on the far side of the Jordan to the north of the Sea of Galilee. When the people discovered where He had gone they followed in hordes---and He welcomed them.

 

There is evidence of divine compassion here. Sometimes we are too busy to be disturbed, but to Jesus human need took precedence over everything. The evening came; home was far away, and the people were tired, and hungry. Jesus ordered His disciples to give them a meal. Before Jesus distributed the food, He blessed it saying, "Blessed are thou, Jehovah, our God, King of the world, who caused bread to come forth from the earth." Jesus would not eat without giving thanks to the giver of all good gifts.

 

This is the story that tells us many things: (1^st) Jesus was concerned that people were hungry. It would be interesting to work out how much time Jesus spent, not talking, but easing men's pain, and satisfying their hunger. He still needs the service of men's hands. (2^nd) Jesus' help was generous. There was more than enough. In love, there is no nice calculation of the less and the more. (3^rd) As always there is permanent truth in an action in time. In Jesus, all men's needs are supplied.There is a hunger of the soul. Our hearts are restless until they find rest in Him. Paul in Philippians 4:19 says, "My God will supply every need of yours."

Life Application: I trust that you have experienced Jesus the supplier. He alone is the one who can meet every need of every person - even yours.

 

Praise/Prayer: HALLELUJAH, how faithful our God is! Dear Father, all my life long You have been the supplier of health, strength, food, and anything else. I am so thankful that I was introduced to You when I was young because I have loved the long walk with You. Father, I feel sorry for those people who have chosen to walk without You. They just don't know and have missed Your love. You are such a wonderful companion. Amen!